Panic attack
Panic attack
A Panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.
Pronunciation
Panic attack: /ˈpænɪk əˈtæk/
Etymology
The term "panic attack" comes from the Greek god Pan, who supposedly caused feelings of fear and anxiety in secluded places. The word "attack" is derived from the Old French "ataque", meaning a sudden onset of disease or distress.
Definition
A panic attack is characterized by a sudden surge of overwhelming anxiety and fear. The heart pounds and you can’t breathe. You may even feel like you’re dying or going crazy. Left untreated, panic attacks can lead to Panic disorder and other problems. They may even cause you to withdraw from normal activities.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a panic attack can include rapid heart rate, sweating, shaking, shortness of breath, hot flashes, and lightheadedness—as well as a feeling of impending doom, chills, nausea, abdominal pain, chest pain, headache, and numbness or tingling.
Causes
The exact cause of panic attacks is still not fully understood. However, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Certain situations can trigger a panic attack, such as stress, traumatic events, or major life changes.
Treatment
Treatment for panic attacks typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered effective in treating panic attacks and panic disorder. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines may also be prescribed.
Related Terms
- Anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Phobia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Panic attack
- Wikipedia's article - Panic attack
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski